Nike x Riccardo Tisci Trainers

Nike To Collaborate With Riccardo Tisci

Givenchy’s Creative Director has revealed the result of being called in by serial collaborators Nike.

The American firm has added Riccardo Tisci to its roster of previous partners, which includes A.P.C. and Japanese brand Undercover.

Nike RT, as it is known, was only announced last month, but images of four pairs of trainers worked on by the designer have already surfaced.

Tisci, known for his finely crafted, couture-like collections, has created his interpretation of the established Air Force 1 model. The Central Saint Martins graduate has used a mix of bold colours to accompany the iconic swoosh.

The collection means that Tisci kicks off 2014 in much the same way he ended a stellar 2013. Last year saw the man at the helm of the luxury French brand win the CFDA International Award, alongside enjoying successes at the Met Gala.

RT will not be the first time Tisci has had dealings with Nike, having overseen a collaboration between the brand and artist Marc Turlan back in 2010.

Nike has previously partnered with the likes of Levis, Tom Sachs and Kanye West on exclusive lines to great success. Tisci is also no stranger to collaborating with footwear brands, having designed for Converse as well as Givenchy’s own high-end trainer range.

Ian Ginzola, Nike’s global footwear director told Style.com: “We were impressed by his vision, I personally wear some of the t-shirts; that’s something that Riccardo does well, blurring the lines with street fashion.”

Tisci followed up by speaking of the iconic trainer at the base of his design: “The shoe is universal yet somehow very personal, for me the Air Force 1 is not about gender, it’s not about a particular city, nor is it about a certain style. The community decides. It’s democratic. It’s love.”

A recent Instagram post from the 39-year-old’s account credited the trainers featured as the Nike x RT AF1 Hi Boots, with a listed price of $225 (£137).

The range will drop at select retailers and on Nike.com in both hi- and low-top variations, alongside mid-calf and knee high. The first batch will be released in white on March 1st with styles in black to follow exactly one month on.